“Fix these words of mine in your hearts . . . tie them as symbols on your hands” Deuteronomy 11:18
Monday, August 24

Don't Be So Open Minded Your Brains Fall Out!

Today's Verse

But now I am going away to the one who sent me, and not one of you is asking where I am going. Instead, you grieve because of what I’ve told you. But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me. Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more. Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged. There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.’
John 16:5-15 · NLT

The Devotion

Have you ever felt mentally overloaded or overstimulated? I have times when too many tabs are open in my brain. And then, I'm flooded with all kinds of information, so much so that it feels impossible to figure out what to do next, much less what information is accurate and worth my time.

Our world has more information than ever before, but we have little understanding.

We have more choices than ever before, but we're scatter-brained, indecisive, and discontent.

With our phones, we can see raw news in real time from around the world, but we have "fake news," AI alterations, and conspiracy theories to make up our minds about.

Our world tolerates everyone's ideas but we have no idea on what's actually true. Yes, some of our minds are so open that our brains end up falling out!

Are you a little stressed out yet? Take a deep breath. Because God's got it.

In John 16, Jesus tells us more about the Person of the Holy Spirit. First, the Holy Spirit is the Advocate and Helper. The Greek word used here, parakletos, has a deep meaning that's hard to translate with just one word. That's why different translations use words like "Comforter," "Advocate," "Helper," and "Counselor" to translate this same word. In our world of suffering, pain, and heartache, the Holy Spirit gives us comfort, help, and strength.

Jesus also promises that the Spirit will guide us into all truth and speak God's Word to us. In doing so, Jesus will be glorified. In John 14:6, Jesus says He is the truth. In John 16, Jesus says His Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth. So, if we have God's Word, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit, who guides us into truth and glorifies God, then we don't have to worry about everything or be overwhelmed. We can cast our cares on the Holy Spirit in us, knowing that God the Father is watching over us, and Jesus is coming back for us. That's good news!

A Prayer for Today

Lord, help me to live like Jesus died yesterday, rose from the dead today, and is coming back tomorrow. Give me strength, peace, and guidance for all my decisions through the Holy Spirit. Thank you that You are faithful and true. I can always come to you with whatever is on my mind, knowing that You understand, care, and help me live for Jesus. In His name I pray, Amen.

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